Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, engaged by Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has successfully intercepted a suspicious vessel, MT TURA II, carrying a cargo of crude oil on July 7, 2023. Acting on credible intelligence, private security contractor Tantita Security Services engaged by NNPC Ltd. apprehended the vessel offshore (Latitude: 5.8197194477543235°, Longitude: 4.789002723991871°) while it was en route to Cameroon with the illicit cargo.
Investigations conducted by NNPC revealed that the crude oil onboard the vessel was illegally sourced from an offshore well jacket in Ondo State, Nigeria. The vessel, registered under HOLAB MARITIME SERVICES LIMITED with Registration Number RC813311, lacked valid documentation for both the vessel itself and the crude oil cargo at the time of the arrest.
Further scrutiny of the vessel’s activities at the NNPC Ltd. Command and Control Centre discovered that the vessel had been operating clandestinely for the past twelve years, with its last reported location recorded as Tin Can Port in July 2011.
In response to these findings, the NNPC promptly escalated the details of the arrest and investigation outcomes to the appropriate government authorities. It was subsequently decided that the vessel would be destroyed as a stern warning and deterrent to those engaged in such illicit activities.
The NNPC emphasized the significance of destroying vessels involved in the transportation of stolen crude oil as a strong deterrent measure. The illegal trade of stolen crude oil not only causes significant economic losses to Nigeria and legitimate stakeholders in the oil industry but also perpetuates corruption, environmental devastation, and social instability.
NNPC Ltd. assured Nigerians of its commitment to sustain the fight against crude oil theft until it is completely eradicated. The corporation is determined to bring an end to this illegal activity, ensuring the preservation of Nigeria’s resources and the well-being of its people.
